Many argue that Newton was largely responsible for replacing the Axiomatic-Deductive

Many argue that Newton was largely responsible for replacing the Axiomatic-Deductive scientific method of the Aristotelian-Medieval era. Is this correct?

Many argue that Newton was largely responsible for replacing the Axiomatic-Deductive

(For in-depth writing guidelines and tips, see the final section of this document and the Essay

Assume the reader is smart but new to the material. Fully explain all technical terms,
ideas, and arguments. Don’t assume background knowledge about course material.
This is a short essay: roughly 1200 words. This isn’t a strict limit, but you should stick to
this range.

You should cite any sources you use. You’re not required to consult sources outside the
readings and lectures. If you do, you’ll be relying on your own understanding of these sources, since we didn’t go over them in class. Also, if you do refer to any such sources, be sure to cite them properly. If you’re referring to lecture material (e.g. slides), cite the lecture title and date. If you’re not sure whether you need to cite something, cite it.
You need a Works Cited section at the end of your term paper. It doesn’t need
to be on a separate page. It can come right after your conclusion.

Any standard citation method is acceptable (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual of Style).

Philosophy instructors tend to be less picky about format, so long as they can understand
the citation. Just be consistent with whatever method you choose.

You should be indicating, through your citations, where the relevant passages are in the
readings. This is the case whether or not you quote directly from the text. If you
paraphrase an idea from the readings, cite the relevant part of the readings. If an idea
isn’t yours, it needs to be cited. If you don’t cite, you’re claiming original authorship.
Don’t include lengthy quotes from the text. In fact, it’s a good idea to avoid direct
quotes entirely (unless otherwise directed by an instructor). You should explain ideas
in your own words in a way that’s faithful to the text. You must then cite where in the
readings those ideas are found.

If you decide to quote the text directly, make sure you also explain the ideas/terms in
your words. If you rely strictly on directly quoted material to explain an idea or define a
term, your instructor might not be able to determine whether you understand the
material. Directly quoted material should only supplement your own words. Don’t rely on
them. Doing so will hurt your grade. I do want to stress this: it’s sufficient to paraphrase
without directly quoting. What ultimately matter are your words, so directly
quoting is mostly redundant. You’re not writing a news story.

Questions/Topics

Feel free to approach me by email if you have a topic in mind that’s different from those
offered below, or if you’d like to take a different approach to one of the topics below.
You don’t need to offer your own original arguments. You can use those we’ve covered in
lectures and readings. The important thing is that your essay presents an argument, taking
and defending a side.

Your term paper and short response paper must be on different topics unless
you receive explicit permission from me.

#1: Descartes and Scientific Method.
Many argue that Newton was largely responsible for replacing the Axiomatic-Deductive
scientific method of the Aristotelian-Medieval era. Is this correct? Be sure to explain both the Axiomatic-Deductive scientific method and the Hypothetico-Deductive scientific method, laying out the historical transition from the former to the latter.